NANAIMO — The Regional District of Nanaimo will be home to BC Transit’s
first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transit fleet, advancing the quality of public
transportation for families and the region. 25 new CNG buses will be in service
in the spring of 2014.
“The government of B.C. is committed to looking at cleaner energy sources
– natural gas is abundant in B.C. and these new buses support the government’s
Natural Gas Transportation Strategy,” said Parksville-Qualicum MLA Ron
Cantelon. “I commend BC Transit and the Regional District of Nanaimo for
their innovative vision and leadership to improving public transit for families
and the region.”
Compared to diesel, the primary benefit of CNG buses is lower and more stable
fuel prices. Additional benefits include quieter engines and simplified emission
systems.
“Fueling our buses with compressed natural gas will improve the efficiency
of our transit system and will also reduce particulate and greenhouse gas emissions
generated by our operations,” said Regional District of Nanaimo Chairperson
Joe Stanhope. “This is a forward-thinking move, and the RDN is extremely
pleased to be home to BC Transit’s first fleet of CNG buses.”
To help offset the initial costs associated with the purchase of the new CNG
buses, FortisBC will provide funding of up to $937,500. The funding represents
75 per cent of the cost differential of CNG over its diesel comparators.
“BC Transit has shown a commitment to choosing natural gas as a transportation
fuel solution,” said Doug Stout, Vice President of Energy Solutions and
External Relations at FortisBC. “FortisBC is looking forward to seeing
BC Transit’s natural gas buses in action, connecting people and communities,
and bringing benefits to the environment and our gas customers while reducing
operating costs for public transportation.”
BC Transit has a proud history of fleet innovation. It was the first transit
company in North America to introduce low-floor and double decker buses. BC
Transit was also the first in Canada to purchase and operate production hybrid
buses and the world’s largest hydrogen fuel cell transit fleet in a single
location.
“BC Transit is pleased to partner with the Regional District of Nanaimo
in this trial project,” said BC Transit President and CEO Manuel Achadinha.
“The RDN and BC Transit share a strong commitment to sustainable transportation
which made the RDN a natural choice for our first CNG fleet.”
An assessment of the first 25 buses in the Nanaimo region will guide future
phases of the CNG program.
In September 2012, the B.C. government released its response to the Independent
BC Transit Review. This response called for action from all parties, to strengthen
the partnership between BC Transit and local governments. BC Transit is committed
to greater consultation and collaboration with its local government partners.
These new buses are a good example of how this improved partnership is working.
Media contacts:
Monika Weatherly
Government Caucus Communications
Communications Officer
250.356.0389
monika.weatherley@leg.bc.ca
Daniel Pearce
Regional District of Nanaimo
Manager, Transit Operations
250.390.6501
Dpearce@rdn.bc.ca
Joyce Wagenaar
FortisBC
Director, Communications
604.785.8946
Joyce.wagenaar@fortisbc.com
Meribeth Burton
Corporate Spokesperson | BC Transit
250.995.5720
meribeth_burton@bctransit.com
